Welcome, Van Davis, WCET’s New Executive Director

The WCET team is thrilled to welcome Van Davis as he steps into his new role as WCET’s sixth Executive Director! Van believes digital learning is critical to expanding educational opportunities—and we’re excited to embark on this journey together.

WCET is committed to leading the policy, practice, and advocacy of digital learning. Van reaffirms that this mission remains our number one priority. Over the years, WCET has provided timely analysis on issues affecting higher education, and our commitment will only grow stronger moving forward. You can expect more insightful content, policy analysis, and discussions on emerging best practices that help you navigate this dynamic field.

While we know many of you have worked with Van in the past and know him well, we wanted to share a bit more about his career and what led him to his role with WCET.

Van joined the (WCET) in 2021 as chief strategy officer, where he was instrumental in helping WCET develop its overall strategy, mission, and vision. With over 25 years of extensive experience in higher education, Van has held various positions as a faculty member, academic administrator, state policymaker, and edtech leader. He earned a Master’s and Ph.D. in 20th-century US history with an emphasis on civil rights from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor’s in history from Southwestern University. Before joining WCET and WICHE, he held positions at Foghlam Consulting, Blackboard Inc., the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and several universities serving historically underrepresented student populations.

 These experiences have helped Van develop expertise in the areas of:

• artificial intelligence policy,
• federal and state distance education regulations,
• degree completion strategies,
• and competency-based education, among other areas.

As Van puts it, “This is a transformational time for higher education, especially in digital learning. I am honored to be entrusted with leading such a strong and capable team at WCET as we continue working to improve the lives of all students. Digital learning really can open doors for learners and help them access educational opportunities.”

We’re excited to welcome a leader whose exceptional experience and expertise will propel WCET forward. Over the past month, Van and our team have collaborated to refine our focus and set ambitious goals for this exciting new chapter.

Empowering Members with New Resources

Higher education is facing unprecedented challenges:

• Shifting demographics: With traditional-age student populations declining,
• Increased scrutiny: Federal attention to student outcomes is intensifying, and
• Online growth: There’s been an unprecedented surge in online student enrollments.

WCET is rolling out new resources and events to support you in this evolving landscape. Some highlights include:

• A Virtual Member-only Summit on Humanizing AI that delves into how artificial intelligence can be integrated responsibly.
• A recently released report on the cost and price of distance education to help institutions understand and navigate economic challenges.
• Exclusive member webinars and content on the Department of Justice’s new Title II accessibility regulations, ensuring you stay ahead of compliance and policy changes.
• New resource publications to address the growing impact of artificial intelligence on institutions.

These initiatives are designed to provide you with the insights and tools you need to thrive in a volatile higher education environment.

Growing Our Community

At WCET, cooperation is more than a principle; it’s the foundation of who we are. Van is committed to strengthening our community by:

• Launching Two New Communities of Practice: one tailored for emerging digital learning leaders and another for chief online learning officers, which will provide dedicated spaces for professional growth and collaboration.
• Supporting Community Colleges: With online enrollments on the rise, we’re exploring new ways to better support community colleges, whose work is vital to student success in online learning.

Our diverse membership, including research universities, small colleges, community colleges, tribal colleges, corporations, systems, and nonprofit organizations, creates a vibrant network of professionals who share a passion for the promise of digital learning. Now, more than ever, it’s time to leverage this incredible community. Whether through the WCET online community, MIX, or our numerous events and programs, opportunities for connection and collaboration are abundant.

An Open Invitation

WCET exists because of its members, and Van is eager to hear from you.

He invites you to reach out directly if you have suggestions for how we can better serve the community or face challenges we can solve together.

Van’s door is always open, and he looks forward to connecting with many of you throughout the coming year.

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As we turn this new page with Van at the helm, we’re confident that WCET will continue to lead the conversation on digital learning, policy, and advocacy. Join us in welcoming Van and shaping the future of higher education together!

Warmly,
The WCET Team

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